We’ve heard of restaurateurs freaking out over an impending review from La LaBan and we’ve even gotten apoplectic reading reviews ourselves, but this is something new. Michael Klein reports that the chef of Jasper, which LaBan reviewed (two bells) this past Sunday, was hospitalized with a ‘minor brain aneurysm’:

Last Thursday, the day before the review was posted at Philly.com, Jasper chef-owner Nick DiFonzo was admitted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for what manager Becky Ely told LaBan today was a “minor brain aneurysm.”

Ely said he is expected to be discharged by this weekend, and that he should be OK. But the restaurant is temporarily closed, and won’t be taking reservations until June 24.

An unfortunate coincidence. Get well soon, chef!

Jasper Closed Temporarily [Food & Drinq]

Craig LaBan heads to Downingtown and the New American BYOB, Jasper owned by chef Nick DiFonzo.

Deceptively light tubes of gnocchi came in a delightfully bisquey tomato broth infused with olive oil. Crab cakes filled with sweet meat and bound with a delicate seafood mousse took on a confident Asian flair beside a glass noodle salad blushing sweet and spicy with caramelized sriracha.

Crepes came elegantly rolled around a mushroom puree so rich, it had the intensity of a good rich soup. And the perfume of mini-kobe Rossini burgers splashed with demi-glace was so heady, the entire table inhaled their truffled aroma when those foie gras-topped sliders landed before me.

Two Bells – Very Good

Jasper
Jasper [Official Site]